The best airplane shoes for every type of traveler

To sort what to wear to the airport is almost as difficult as deciding what to put in your suitcase. TSA lines are rarely short and wearing the right shoe can speed up the security process or even allow you to run to your gate if necessary.

“We might not think about it, but airports always involve a lot of walking and sometimes even running,” says travel content creator Alexa Moore. “This makes it essential to find shoes that balance comfort and style so you can realistically walk in them all day.” To find out what that might be, we reached out to Moore and stylist Beverly Osemwenkhae for their best advice and recommendations when it comes to airplane shoes (Hint: leave the stilettos at home and opt for functional footwear instead, like sneakers or flats ).

Meet the expert

• Alexa Moore is a travel content creator who has been to over 40 different countries.
• Beverly Osemwenkhae is a New York City and London-based stylist and fashion consultant. She is the founder of Project Bijwhich offers styling services for travel and more.

So whether you’re a seasoned traveler looking to freshen up your footwear or need inspiration for your first flight, keep scrolling for 13 travel-friendly shoes to wear on the plane.

Slip-on sneakers

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Slip-on sneakers are versatile enough to complete any casual airport outfit. You can pair them with everything from a baseball cap and jeans to a T-shirt dress. “Lace-ups can complicate things, so slip-on sneakers are by far one of the most comfortable options for air travel,” says Moore. “Easy to take off at any time during your flight, especially before airport security. But the lack of laces provides all-round comfort for your feet.”

Loafers

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Are sneakers not your style? That’s where one elegant loafer comes in. According to Osemwenkhae, this polished shoe style is “comfortable and timeless, making it easy to style with any airport fit.” She recommends combining loafers with a knitted lounge set or, for a more modern look, opting for wide jeans and a thick sweater.

Since most loafers are made of leather, Moore suggests breaking in your chosen pair before heading to the airport to ensure comfort. “But if you don’t have time to break in a new pair, opt for the backless version,” she adds. “You’ll be much more comfortable galloping across the airport or racing to your plane.”

Birkenstocks

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“I have a love-hate relationship with my birks, but they always come over for holiday trips,” says Osemwenkhae. Not only are these shoes comfortable, but the double toe straps also provide support.

She suggests a fur-lined pair for extra comfort and functionality, but if you’re traveling in the summer months, the traditional buckle Birkenstocks work just as well and come in a variety of colors. With such a casual shoe, Osemwenkhae recommends styling your Birkenstocks with boyfriend jeans, a band T-shirt and a blazer.

Slides

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Like Birkenstocks, flip flops are one of the simplest shoes you can wear to the airport. They slip on and off easily, so you can quickly toss them in your trash can at TSA or, as Moore notes, throw them in your carry-on if you plan to make a shoe change on the plane.

“If you want extra support, get a pair with arch support or memory foam,” she recommends. “And if you want to take the slide look to the next level, opt for a sleeker leather design.” Worried about walking barefoot through TSA? Wear your slippers with socks or keep a pair in your travel bag to use when needed.

Clogs

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For a slip-on (read: not a sneaker) that offers a little more toe protection, reach for clogs, say Moore and Osemwenkhae. According to Moore, this shoe style is “the perfect combination of ease of use, comfort and versatility.” In addition, more casual clogs have a back strap that provides extra support.

“If you’re someone whose feet swell during flights, these are a great adjustable option,” she adds. “And if you get cold feet on the plane, choose a clog with a fur lining for extra coziness.” To take your clogs to the next levelOsemwenkhae suggests styling them with an underskirt and a duster jacket or a button-up shirt and wide-leg knitted trousers.

Ballerinas

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To spruce up a simple airport outfit, you can step inside ballerinas. Moore recommends foldable ballet flats, which you can pack in your carry-on or personal item. “They are also comfortable enough to wear on long flights and make them easy to put on when going to the airplane toilet,” she adds.

While classic, simple flats are always a good choice, Osemwenkhae recommends that if you want to “spice up your ballerinas,” choose a style that’s “a little more playful and has texture.” Mary-Jane flats mark major ballet core vibes, while a pair of studded flats is a bolder choice that feels modern.

Mules

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Leave your high-heeled mules at home and opt for a flat pair or one with a kitten heel when preparing for a long travel day. “Flat mules are the easiest to travel in because they are comfortable and chic,” says Osemwenkhae. “It gives your feet breathing room and movement while traveling and can be easily slipped on and off while in the air.”

For an ultra-cool look, she suggests styling your shoes with a simple T-shirt and distressed jeans or a cropped sweater and relaxed trousers. Heading to a tropical location? This shoe style also looks great in combination with a printed summer dress or a linen set.

Kitten heel boots

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Heeled shoes aren’t the first choice for most travelers, but if even a flight can’t keep you off your heels, opt for kitten heel boots. Osemwenkhae says this footwear gives you the elegant and sophisticated look of a high heel, but “still provides the comfort you need for your commute.”

If you need a boot with a little more support for a long trip, consider a boot with a slightly thicker heel block heel. As for styling, she recommends tucking a pair of jeans into your boots with a white top, or going for a cozy look with a sweatshirt and leather shorts (add tights for more coverage).

Platform sneakers

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Upgrade your sneaker collection with one platform version. This style is fashionable, yet practical enough for air travel. “I like flat shapes because it gives you some length, but always makes your outfit a little more fun,” says Osemwenkhae.

“For this style, I would wear it with a slip dress and a moto jacket, or pair it with a mini skirt and a varsity jersey.” When choosing your platform sneakers, opt for low-tops instead of high-tops, as this design can be more difficult to remove at TSA due to the extra laces.

Sporty sandals

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Sporty dad sandals have become a trendy favorite for casual models. “Because these sandals are typically designed for outdoor activities, they tend to be much more versatile and durable no matter where you travel,” says Moore.

“Sporty sandals are often designed with cushioned soles and breathable materials so they are comfortable to wear throughout the flight. These sandals are great because they are usually waterproof and/or quick-drying in case of unexpected spills or if you encounter rainy conditions on the way to or from the airport.” While a classic black or white pair will suit all your travel outfits, consider a bold print or a pop of color if you’re looking for a style that will make more of a fashion statement.

Chelsea boots

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Everyone loves a good boot, and luckily they are an excellent choice for air travel during the fall and winter months. “When you’re traveling, you want boots that are easy to put on and take off and that provide optimal comfort,” says Moore. “A classic Chelsea boot is the perfect option for flying days and goes with any airport outfit.” To add a little something extra to your airport ensemble, Osemwenkhae suggests a combat boot design that would pair well with a shirt dress or an oversized blazer and a denim maxi skirt.

Whichever style you choose, consider the weight of your Chelsea boots. “While a thick boot serves its purpose in the winter, they can be a lot to walk around in,” says Moore. “For extra comfort, examine the material composition of the boot and opt for something made from lighter materials.”

White tennis sneakers

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You can never go wrong with classic white tennis sneakers for your travel days. Osemwenkhae says this footwear is “great for all climates and great for transition,” so they’ll be comfortable both in and out of flight, whether you’re heading to Boston or the Bahamas.

For a pair that “provides comfort for longer,” Moore recommends opting for sneakers with a memory foam insole that molds to your feet. “If you plan to land at your destination and start exploring straight away, these shoes are a great versatile pair for exploring new destinations,” she says. “And a nice neutral pair can match airport outfits or even a cute maxi dress.”

Sock sneakers

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Another travel-friendly sneaker option is a sock sneaker that is easy to remove and less constricting than a traditional pair. Additionally, Osemwenkhae explains that with this footwear, “you no longer have to fiddle with your laces, one less thing to think about while traveling.”

She says it’s best to choose a lightweight pair that won’t weigh you down, so you may want to avoid shoes with a heavy platform or extra-thick fabrics. For styling, Osemwenkhae recommends pairing your sock sneakers with trendy cargo pants or an oversized sweater dress and a baseball cap.